The SUCCESS of coke studio

The music prospect in Pakistan is getting more demanding every day. With music being a global platform, we need something edgy and versatile in order to stand out. An ambitious music project like Coke Studio does just that. After its unprecedented success last year it is back this year, bigger and better with its second season. This show is an awe inspiring collaborative venture of different artists with different genres of music coming together from all over Pakistan and making musical history by creating magic. Hence, Coke studio is not just a regular show; it is an experience that will last a lifetime.

The first episode was aired on the 14th of June with the theme of “Individuality”. The much awaited show surpassed the audience’s expectations and left them craving for more. It included performances by Zeb and Haniya, Noorie, Atif Aslam, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Jawad Bashir and the iconic Sufi maestro Saieen Zahoor.

Zeb and Haniya, popular for their folk inspired music performed a different, much faster version of “Paimona” with Saddiq Sameer on the rubab. I like the slower version better but this one had a radiance of Pushto heritage piercing through, which made it unique and mesmerizing.

Shafqat Amanat Ali performed a slow and beautiful version of the ever so popular “Khamaj”. It was soothing, holding the power to heal anything in this world.

This season also included the youth icon, Atif Aslam known for “Aadat”. His vocals seemed very polished and mature on Coke Studio as he performed “Jal pari” with an essence of “Mere Haniya” by the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. According to me it was the most innovative performance of the night.

Meekal Hasan band’s Jawad Bashir paid tribute to the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan with “Aj Latha Naeeo”. This classical singer was flawless to the extent of perfection. Although he’s not the legend himself but he definitely did justice to his own version of the song.

The last performance was a beautiful rendition of the evergreen Sufi kalaam “Aik Alif” by Noorie and Saieen Zahoor. All I can say is that it was a classic master piece playing beautifully with the fusion of two genres.

To sum it all up, all these individual artists portrayed their individuality to the fullest. They made it a night to be remembered. This show is certainly a breath of fresh air, pulling us out of the regularities of life and creating wonders for all of us to enjoy.